SAVINGRAM
To the Secretary of State for the Colonies.
From the Governor, Hong Kong.
Date
No..
2
5.
The bandit suppression campaign launched in mid-July by Chinese forces just across the Hong Kong + border continues with very little success. This is likely to encourage the bandits in that area. There are many indications that the former Communist anti-Japanese guerilla force, the East River Column, is being reformed under another name, with many of its former commanders. They are undoubtedly in touch with Comunists in Hong Kong.
6.
An unfortunate incident ocurred on August 8th when a Hong Kong Chinese rolice Constable, pursuing a Chinese who had been banished from Hong Kong territory and was illegally trying to return, crossed the order into Chinese territory and was detained by the Chinese Military authorities. The police constable has apparently been taken to Canton, and no official news regarding him has yet been received from the Chinese authorities.. It is possible that the Chinese may attempt to derive some profit from this incident.
7.
The conference held at Singapore from August 6th-9th under the Chairmanship of the Commissioner General for South East Asia, which was attended by the Governors of British territories in South East Asia, ass well as by me, did not attract much attention in the Chinese press, except from the K.H.T. National Times which indulged in its usual speculations over the need for action against Communists in Hong Kong.
8.
The visit to Hong hong of Mr. K. W. Blackburne, Director of Information Services in the Colonial Office, was on the whole very well received by the local press and by the Chinese, who welcomed the interest taken in the people of Hong Kong by His Majesty's Goverment in the United Kingdom. Praise for the great measures of social reform being implemented in Britain was coupled with the suggestion that the Hong Kong Government should keep in pace in matters of social reform with what is being done in Britain.
CANA
REOGIVED
26 AUG 1948 0.0. REGY.
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